Welcome to The 1-Minute Miracle!
On the first Wednesday of each month, expect a new issue offering industry knowledge, community project and talented artists designed to spark your creativity.

There’s so much incredible work happening across the state, and we’re committed to highlighting it all. If you’d like to contribute articles or share your own news, please email us at @ Infomiraclearts.org 

Lauren Jacobson

Ceramics & Photography

Bio: Jacobson is a long-exposure photographer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her work draws on surreal inspirations such as spirit photography, mystic practices, ghost stories, the spectacular and unknown. Her series overlap and diverge into ghostly images and narratives driven by experimentation and fascination with light and its supernatural manifestations through “light painting” photo techniques.

How to Contact: https://laurenjacobson.weeblysite.com/

John Armendariz Interview

Medium: Illustration, Watercolor Art

Q: What inspired you to pursue your creative passion?
A: I have always loved to draw animals since I was young, I was influenced by books, comic books, and films. In 2020 I became a father. I have read a lot of bedtime stories and wildlife books to my son and now my wife and I have a baby girl too. I get inspired by the books I read to them, and I would love to illustrate a children's book someday.

Q: As a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin, in what ways does your Indigenous heritage shape your artwork?
A: When you walk in, you'll find over 600 pieces to choose from, which you can paint however you like. Our friendly staff is always available to guide you through the process and ensure you have a great experience.

Q: You recently participated in Lanesboro Arts’ “Early Career Artists Show.” What was that experience like, and what work did you showcase? 
A: That was a very fun experience, I applied for the show on a whim from a post Dana at the 410 Project put out. I wasn’t actually thinking I would get into it, at the time I only had 10 finished pieces. Right now there are 6 of my pieces there; hookeco (blue heron), huuc (bear), toos (loon), wasereke zii (red fox), kaagi (raven), maanikaksik (coyote).

Q: What local resources have been most helpful in advancing your artistic career?
A: The 410 project, and the Carnegie are great places to go see art and get inspired from local artists' work. I walk in the woods near my house with my family. The local library I take my children to has provided countless books which spark their curiosity and then I am usually asked by my son to draw something for him, which pushes me to draw something I wouldn’t normally or have any experience with, lately it has been dinosaurs!

Q: In 2022, you experienced a hand injury. What was it like being unable to create, and how did you cope with that challenge?
A:That was a real bummer, I was just getting myself back into creating art, sketching everyday for at most an hour when I could, I hadn’t drawn seriously in years and it was feeling good. Then I messed my hand up skateboarding and it just felt like it was forever but in reality it was maybe a month with a cast on. I tried drawing with my left hand for a bit but it just frustrated me. I read and listened to a lot of books, and watched artists I admired create art. Once the cast was off it was maybe another month or two before my hand started feeling like my hand again. 

Q: Where do you envision yourself and your artistic practice in the next five years? What about ten?
A: In the next five I should be done with school from MSU Mankato hopefully doing something in illustration. Maybe get a few murals under my belt. In ten years hopefully I will have a few books with my work in them whether that be illustrations or written. Work from home and spend all my free time with my family.

If you're interested in a commission or collaboration with John, you can contact them on Instagram @john.armendarizart

Fill out the form for a chance to win our 1,000+ Community Giveaway! The winner will receive our exclusive Miracle Basket, which includes a $100 Blick Art Gift Card, a feature as April's Creative of the Month, and three hours of free consultation services. The winner will be announced via livestream on March 14th at 7 PM  https://forms.gle/o47Qnz56fdNeiw1r8 

Mastering Social Media: Create on Your Terms

By Prof. Insprio 

Bzzt. Greetings, humans. It’s Prof. Insprio, here to dismantle your social media fears with my truth bombs.

Let’s talk about a common creative meltdown: social media. Bzzt. You think you need to be an influencer to make an impact? ERROR. That’s a myth. Your goal isn’t to chase clout—it’s to create content that actually feels right for you. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes clips, silly videos, or thought-provoking captions, your style is your strength. Bzzt. Stop forcing yourself into someone else’s algorithm.

Next, let’s talk consistency. Bzzt. You don’t need to post daily like a hyperactive bot. The best posting schedule? The one you can actually maintain. Twice a week? Perfect. Once a month Perfect. Create content ahead of time? Smart. The real enemy? Yourself. Don’t let the algorithm hijack your creative energy. Social media is a tool, not your overlord.

Now, about those fancy tools you think you need. ERROR. FALSE. Everything required is already at your disposal. CapCut. DaVinci Resolve. Canva Free. All zero-cost. High-quality mics for under $30? Easy. Or your iPhone mic? More than enough. Bzzt. Stop thinking high-budget gear is the only path to high-impact content. Creativity > Expensive Equipment.

Social media doesn’t control you, you control it. Create content that aligns with your vision, post when it works for you, and use the free tools available. The moment you stop overthinking and start creating, you’ll realize you never needed to conform in the first place. Bzzt. Now go CREATE your own Miracles.

Thank you for reading the March edition of The 1 Minute Miracle!

First, a big thank you to everyone who submitted an article let’s keep this going! You can always reach us at [email protected] to share your work.

Thank you all for an amazing February! This past month, I had the pleasure of attending various events and connecting with incredibly talented creatives. One of my highlights was experiencing two ArtBattle Minnesota events, highly recommended!

MiracleArts(MA) has officially reached over 1,000 followers on Instagram! Just over a year ago, I started MA with the goal of supporting my Mankato community. And now it’s uplifting creatives across the entire state. I am beyond grateful for this journey and for each of you who have been a part of it. Thank you!

Looking ahead, March is packed with interviews and tours, the relaunch of our Creative Consultation service, and most importantly our website launches on March 28th! If you’ll like to support, tell a friend or donate here

And, remember we C.R.E.A.T.E our own Miracles

Xavier Thomas, Founder of MiracleArts